"Yes, it is the pilot," said Dave to himself, as the launch drove directly into the little natural landing-place where the blue lantern swung.
Dave peered from his bushy covert and closely watched the maneuvers of its occupant.
The pilot ran the nose of the craft well into the sand, shut off the power, and leaped ashore.
Dave saw him take up a basket and watched him depart for the hut. As soon as some trees shut him out from view Dave leaped on board of the launch.
A momentary inspection of the operating lever and steering gear told Dave that he could easily navigate the boat.
"I must lose no time," he thought. "My only chance of getting away with Schmitt-Schmitt is in taking the launch."
Dave forthwith dragged his unconscious captive to the launch. It was no easy task to get that bulky individual aboard. Dave accomplished it, however, and then paused to catch his breath and wipe the perspiration from his face.
"Hi! hi! hi!"
A ringing yell, or rather three of them, uttered in rapid and startling succession, made Dave turn with a shock.
Looking down the beach, he saw the pilot running towards him at full speed. The latter had evidently visited the hut, had found it vacated, and coming out to look for his missing friend, had discovered the launch in the hands of a stranger.